Loyola defensive end Chance Carter commits to Northwestern

Carter, who accepted an invitation Friday to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, also had an offer from Nebraska.

"I'm pretty excited about getting an offer from Northwestern," Carter said. "It's in my backyard (Carter lives in Evanston) and they offer a great education. Coach (Pat) Fitzgerald called my head coach (John Holecek) on Thursday with the scholarship offer, and coach Holecek filled me in."

Carter (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) received early offers from Notre Dame, Stanford, Indiana and Nebraska. Notre Dame and Stanford, however, received commitments from other prospects at Carter's position and pulled their scholarship offers.

Carter is ranked as a three-star prospect and is 45th in the nation at his position, according to Rivals.com.